Blogger News: 9 Holiday Happenings in Theme Parks 6.12.15

Choose where you're going to celebrate with the family this year!

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Families flock to theme parks year-round, whether it’s for the rollercoasters, food, or live shows, but a visit to a theme park during the holiday season is bound to be especially magical. Peruse this list of holiday happenings in theme parks across the country and choose where you’re going to celebrate with the family this year!

1. Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival – Dollywood

Head to the home of Dolly Parton with the family this season and prepare to experience the nonstop fun that is the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival at Dollywood. Shows include Dollywood’s A Christmas Carol on Showstreet and O’ Holy Night in Craftsmans Valley. The little ones are sure to jump at the chance to meet Rudolph and his friends or lend Santa a hand in his workshop, then head on over to the Parade of Lights (which runs daily throughout the park). The festival runs through Jan. 3, 2016.

Step inside the winter wonderland that is Sesame Place during A Very Furry Christmas. Events include Dine with Elmo and Friends, when families can feast on some yummy holiday foods and get a picture taken with both Santa Claus AND Elmo; 1-2-3 Christmas Tree, a hip and happening music and light show; and the Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade, featuring a whopping 10 floats and three performances (Elmo, Count von Count, Bert, Ernie, and Cookie Monster will be in attendance, just to name a few). These holiday happenings take place Nov. 21 to Dec. 31, 2015 on select days.

An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City is home to a plethora of holiday happenings for families to enjoy. From a parade to rides to shops, there is a little something to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Kids will enjoy lunching with Santa on Main Street on items such as fried chicken, mini corn dogs, mac and cheese, and spaghetti and meatballs, or watching “Frosty The Musical” at Boatworks. Other happenings include the Holiday Harvest Buffet at Molly’s Mill Restaurant, Christmas On Main Street (Silver Dollar City’s largest light show) and Holiday Hearthside Harmonies on McHaffie’s Homestead (sing-a-long). These ever-so-spirited events take place through Dec. 30, 2015.

Six Flags’ slogan is “Go Big! Go Six Flags!” for a reason, especially during the holidays. Families will find some parks completely transformed during Holiday in the Park. Trees are trimmed with lights, the air smells of pine needles and sweet and savory baked goods, and fun is on every corner. Kids can meet their friends from Looney Tunes or dive into a funnel cake, while parents hop on the Texas SkyScreamer or treat themselves to an enormous Bavarian crème puff. Other festive foods include hot chocolate, cider, and fried S’mores. Holiday in the Park runs on select days until Jan. 3, 2016 at the following parks: Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey; Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California; Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Valejo, California; Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington; Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio; and Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell.

5. Holiday Lights - Lake Compounce

This lakefront amusement park is home to Holiday Lights -- a series of spectacular seasonal events designed with the whole family in mind. Activities include riding the North Pole Railway, caroling, story time with Mrs. Claus, and cookie decorating. New for 2015:Food trucks will serve some seriously delicious and hearty fare! Admission for children ages 3 and under is free. Available on select dates from Nov. 27 to Dec. 20, 2015.

Just because there may not be snow at Cliff’s Amusement Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico, doesn’t mean you and your family can’t get into the holiday spirit! Cliff’s Magical Christmas boasts half a million sparkling lights, a 120-foot giant of a Christmas tree, and a bunch of fire pits to keep you feeling warm and fuzzy. Kiddies will love meeting the one and only, Mr. Santa Claus, and listening to stories told by his Mrs. The events take place Nov. 27 to Dec. 30, 2015.

Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn-University/Midtown

7. Knott’s Merry Farm – Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, transforms into a wonderland of all things Christmas during the holiday season and “rents” the name Knott’s Merry Farm. Live entertainment includes the Snoopy Ice Show, Christmas On Engine 41, and A Christmas Carol. Families can visit with Santa, as well, in his cabin located within the Wilderness Dance Hall in Ghost Town. Tasty treats such as cookies, eggnog, winter wine, craft beer and hot chocolate are also served. Merry Farm runs through Jan. 3, 2016.

The land of all things sweet features Christmas Candylane -- where families will find more than four million dazzling lights and fun and family-friendly rides. Shows include Noel (a light show boasting more than 200,000 dancing lights synced up to everyone’s favorite Christmas music) and Christmas Candylane Storytime with one of Santa’s elves at The Cookie Workshop on Kissing Tower Kill. Your little ones can visit with Santa in his Candy Cottage or dive into breakfast or lunch with him at Hersheypark Place. The events take place through Dec. 31, 2015.

Indulge in yummy holiday treats, enjoy themed rides, and simply cherish your time together during Dutch Wonderland’s Winter Wonderland in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Entertainment and activities include The Royal Light Show at Celebration Theater, Storytime with the Princess of Dutch Wonderland, and Santa meet-and-greets next to Merlin’s Restaurant at the front of the park. Treats include cookies with Santa & Friends, ice cream at Breyer’s Ice Cream Parlor, and funnel cakes at Nathan’s Famous and Funnel Cakes. It’s available select days until Dec. 30, 2015.